29 Sep More comorbidity in those aging with HIV
HIV-infected individuals may be at increased risk of age-associated comorbidity. The AGEhIV Cohort Study investigates prevalence, incidence and risk factors for age-associated comorbidity among HIV-1-infected (n=598) and highly comparable HIV-uninfected individuals (n=550), all aged 45 and above. Baseline (cross-sectional) results from the AGEhIV Cohort Study show that all investigated age-associated comorbidities (i.e. cardiovascular, metabolic, renal, bone, pulmonary, malignant disease) were numerically more prevalent, with peripheral arterial, cardiovascular disease, and impaired renal function significantly so, among HIV-positives compared to HIV-uninfected controls. Besides recognized cardiovascular risk factors, HIV infection and longer time spent with severe immune deficiency increased the risk of a higher comorbidity burden. There was a less pronounced contribution from residual inflammation, immune activation and prior high-dose ritonavir use.